A very early 1894- refurbish it or leave as is?

[coyoteking]

I’ve had this 30 WCF rifle for a few years, it functions perfect, locks up tight and has a bright, shiny bore with deep rifling. The rifle has a lot of character and patina(she’s ugly), but according to Winchester records, it was manufactured in November of 1895, making it one of the first 30-30’s off the line.

The barrel looks to have been replaced in the 1930’s, and the magazine has been cut down to 3/4 length.

I’m on the fence about cleaning it up or leaving it as is. I don’t think there’s any collector value there, but I could be wrong.

What would you folks do?

 

[hometownhero]

I would leave it and just shoot it

 

[jpc]

 

[kamlooky]

Oil'er up and leaf'er alone.
C'ept shewt'er awf kawrse.

Mr. H. had one of them old gals and it sure was fun to shewt.
Fluid Film is whut the ahrowmah came awf'er.

 

[guntech]

I’ve had this 30 WCF rifle for a few years, it functions perfect, locks up tight and has a bright, shiny bore with deep rifling. The rifle has a lot of character and patina(she’s ugly), but according to Winchester records, it was manufactured in November of 1895, making it one of the first 30-30’s off the line.

The barrel looks to have been replaced in the 1930’s, and the magazine has been cut down to 3/4 length.

I’m on the fence about cleaning it up or leaving it as is. I don’t think there’s any collector value there, but I could be wrong.

What would you folks do?

There will be no collector value if you do anything more to it... keep shooting it if you want, clean it if you want, but any attempt removing the patina or attempt at refinishing will totally destroy any collector value.

 

[coyoteking]

Oil'er up and leaf'er alone.
C'ept shewt'er awf kawrse.

Mr. H. had one of them old gals and it sure was fun to shewt.
Fluid Film is whut the ahrowmah came awf'er.

I bought this from a fellow from B.C. on a Facebook auction a few years ago, I don’t remember his name or location but when it came in the mail I could smell the fluid film through the packaging. Could it be the same gun? I’ll put up some pictures of it tonight.

 

[coyoteking]

 

[a j cave]

What do you want? If you are happy with the ugly girl, keep here the way she is. If it bothers you or you want a cleaner look restore it. It is your gun do what you want. It will be worth at least what it is now. JMHO,

 

[jpc]

Good lookin rifle -- enjoy it ☺☺☺

 

[coyoteking]

Good lookin rifle -- enjoy it ☺☺☺

I’ve had it out of the safe for the last couple of evenings playing with it. Decided to leave it as is and maybe buy a shinier 1950’s era ‘94 to keep it company.

 

[jpc]

I’ve had it out of the safe for the last couple of evenings playing with it. Decided to leave it as is and maybe buy a shinier 1950’s era ‘94 to keep it company.

Sounds like a Plan

 

[Mike Webb]

Good hunting rifle, no collector value. Refinish it if you like but personally I think the old ones have more character with the odd bump and blue wore off.

 

[Elliott_01]

Nice. I would leave it as is.
Shoot it once in a while. Have fun with it and keep her oiled and working.

 

[Mad-Dog]

Clean it, but don't alter it. I'm in a similar situation with an early 1894. After thinking long and hard about it and seeking some feedback from people I trust, I decided to do only two things - maintain it and occasionally shoot it!

 

[kjohn]

Buy a younger one. I just bought a 1957 in beautiful shape in 32WS to keep another 1957 shooter in 32WS company. I also recently scooped a really nice 30-30 of about the same vintage. I also have a 1918 32WS rifle that the tang has been brazed on. The old girl shoots like a dream. Love those old 94's.

 

[Qklese]

Leave it as is. I honestly prefer the look of a weathered 94 compared to a shiny new one.

 

[anglia2]

I'd leave it alone , it's over 100 years old , it should look used lol . Take her out every now and then though , that's what it's for .